Distal end cutter

ABSTRACT

A flush cutter of wires located on a patient&#39;s teeth has at least one pivotably carried cutting edge. An outer surface of the edge can be positioned adjacent to a surface from which the wire protrudes. An elastic insert or clamp, for griping cut wire ends, is carried adjacent to the edge. The insert has first and second spaced apart ends. A rigid surface is located to pivot toward the edge. The elastic clamp extends, in part, to the inner surface of the edge. As the cutting edge moves toward the rigid surface to cut the wire, the elastic clamp grips the cutoff wire end for removal. The rigid surface can be formed as a second cutting edge that moves toward the one cutting edge.

[0001] The benefit of a Jan. 4, 2002 filing date for Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/345,387 is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention pertains to dental instruments. More particularly, the invention pertains to wire cutters usable by orthodontists.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the process of adjusting location or spacing of teeth for a patient, an orthodontist will attach brackets to the respective teeth. One or more wires can be installed between brackets to enable the orthodontist to move one or more selected teeth with forces applied via the wire or wires. The ends of the wires, extending from brackets, need to be trimmed flush with the adjacent bracket(s) for patient comfort. The cut wire ends are then removed from the patient's mouth.

[0004] A known cutter employs a rubber O-ring for the purpose of gripping cut off pieces of wire. The known cutter however has limitations. When the wire length, that extends from the distal end of the bracket, dimensionally falls between the width of the cutting blades and the contact point of the O-ring, the wire can be cut, but may not be held with a desired level of certainty.

[0005]FIGS. 1, 2 illustrate the known cutter 10. The cutter 10 has first and second flush cutting edges 12 a, b. An elastomeric O-ring 14 is carried by an extension 16 a from cutter 12 a. An extension 16 b moves toward O-ring 14 as wire W is being cut. O-Ring 14 clamps cut end region W-1 against extension 16 b for removal provided cut end W-1 is long enough to extend therebetween. If W-1 is too short, it will be cut but not gripped by ring 14.

[0006] There continues to be a need for orthodontic wire cutters which can reliably grip short wire ends that have been cut. Preferably, such cutters will be cost effective to manufacture and be usable at least as long as known cutters can be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a known wire cutter;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the prior art cutter of FIG. 1;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an orthodontic cutter in accordance with the invention;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the cutter of FIG. 3;

[0011]FIG. 5 is an end view of the cutter of FIG. 3;

[0012]FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary wired molars with a protruding wire end to be cut with the cutter of FIG. 3;

[0013]FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the cutter of FIG. 3;

[0014]FIG. 8 is an enlarged, partial side view of the detector of FIG. 3;

[0015] FIGS. 9A-C are various views of an alternate form of deformable insert;

[0016] FIGS. 10A-10F are various views of a cutter usable with the insert of FIGS. 9A, B;

[0017] FIGS. 11A-D are various views of yet another deformable insert;

[0018] FIGS. 12A-E are various views of a cutter usable with the insert of FIGS. 11A-D;

[0019]FIG. 13 is an isometric view of yet another elastomer insert;

[0020] FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate various views of a flush cutter which is usable with the insert of FIG. 13;

[0021]FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an alternate form of an elastomeric insert; and

[0022] FIGS. 16A-16E are various views of a flush cutter with which the elastomeric insert of FIG. 15 can be used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] While embodiments of this invention can take many different forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.

[0024] A flush cut and hold orthodontic cutter cuts orthodontic wire. When it cuts these wires, the cut portion of the wire is held within the jaws of the cutter.

[0025] The subject cutter incorporates an elastomeric, for example silicone, deformable element installed in one side of the cutter's blades. This element acts as a wire clamping device that allows the cutter's blades to be in contact with the distal surface of an orthodontic bracket during the cutting operation.

[0026] The elastomeric element is soft and pliable so that it can receive and clamp a full range of orthodontic wires reliably. The clamping portion of the element is preferably rectangular in shape so that it can grip virtually any length of wire extending from the orthodontic bracket providing it is slightly longer than the width of the cutter's blades, for example about 0.011″ thick. The wire is cut flush with distal surface of the bracket usually placed on the first or second molars of an orthodontic patient.

[0027] FIGS. 2-8 illustrate details of a cutter 30 which embodies the invention. The cutter 30 can flush cut a wire end, adjacent to an orthodontic bracket, and grip the short, cut off wire end.

[0028] The cutter 30 in a disclosed embodiment, can be positioned flush against a bracket installed on a person's molar, for example. The wire end will be nipped off adjacent to the bracket by pivotably attached flush cutting edges. The cut ends will be clamped and held by an elastomeric, silicon, insert against an opposing flat surface of the cutter 30.

[0029] The insert is retained with a press-fit in an internal recess having two sides and a closed end which joins the sides. The insert can have a variety of cross sections compatible with the shape of the recess in accordance with the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0030] An end clamping region of the insert extends toward, and is preferably adjacent to the cutting edge. As the cutting edge rotates toward the wire, the end clamping region comes into contact with the wire end being cut. As the wire end is being cut from the remainder of the wire, the end clamping region, adjacent to the cutting edge, forces it against an opposing surface. The cut end is clamped between the end clamping region and the opposing surface and can be removed from the patient's mount.

[0031] The end clamping region can exhibit, for example, a rectangular or triangular cross section without limitation. Other cross sections come within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0032] FIGS. 3-5 are various views of cutter 30. Cutter 30 has manually operable handles 32 a,b which are rotatably attached at pivot 34. Jaws 42 a,b extend from respective handles 32 a,b and rotate toward one another as the handles 32 a,b are clamped together.

[0033] One of the jaws, such as 42 b carries a flush cutting edge or blade 44. An interior slot 46 is formed in the jaw 42 b adjacent to the edge 44. An elastomeric member 48, described above, is retained within the slot 46.

[0034] The slot 46 is formed with two facing sides 46 a,b and a closed end 46 c. The elastomeric member 48, which could be formed of any medical grade elastomer, such as silicon, has first and second generally elongated sides 48 a,b an elongated, exposed end clamping region or surface 48 c and an elongated body length 48 d.

[0035] The surface 48 c can be generally rectangular. Alternately, it can be triangular. Other cross sections come within the spirit and scope of the invention. The elongated dimension 48 d is at least co-extensive with an elongated dimension of the cutting edge 44.

[0036] The sides 48 a, b of insert 48 have circular curved intersecting regions that join respective linear regions. The shape of the cross section facilitates removably retaining the insert 48 in the internal slot 46. Other cross sections, triangular or rectangular come within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0037] The other jaw 42 a carries a flat rigid surface 50 which extends from the edge 44 distally from pivot 34. The surface 50 also extends across end clamping surface 48 c of the insert 48.

[0038] As the handles 32 a,b are squeezed together, the edge 44, carried on jaw 42 b and the rigid surface 50, carried on jaw 42 a are clamped together to cut a wire, such as wire WA, located therebetween. At the same time, end surface 48 c of the elastomeric member 48 is forced against a cut end section WA-1 of wire WA clamping same against the surface 50. The cut end of wire WA will be clamped and held between the deformable end surface 48 c and rigid surface 50.

[0039]FIG. 6 illustrates one mode of use of cutter 30. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a bracket B1 has been attached to a patient's second molar M2, the rear-most molar. A Wire WB extends between at least brackets B1,2. An end WC of the wire WB protrudes from the distal end of bracket B1.

[0040] For patient comfort, it is desirable to cut off and remove the end WC. The cutting edge 44 of cutter 30 can be positioned against distal surface B1 a of bracket B1. The end WC can then be cut flush against the surface B1 a.

[0041] As the edge 44 cuts through the wire WB, end WC is forced by deformable end region 48 c against surface 50. The deformability of the element 48 permits it to readily clamp against and retain cut wire ends of different diameters.

[0042] So long as the handles 32 a,b are being squeezed together, the end WC will be retained by the cutter 30 so long as enough of it protrudes from bracket B1 to be cut by the edge 44. The presence of the elongated dimension of surface 48 c adjacent to the cutting edge 44 makes it possible to grip any wire end WC protruding from cutting edge 44 toward the adjacent edge of surface 48 c.

[0043] The insert 48 can be removed and replaced without any tools. The elastomeric material is not a limitation of the invention. The material can be formed into a molded or extruded insert. Preferably the elastomeric material will be bio-compatible and sterilizable, for example by autoclaving.

[0044] FIGS. 9A-C illustrate details of an alternate form of extruded insert 48′. The insert 48′ has a curved section 48 a′ joined by two linear surfaces 48 b′-1,-2. A planar clamping region 48 c′ is connected by another curved surface 48 e′ to the planar surface 48 b′-2. The insert 48′ has an elongated dimension 48 d′, best seen in FIG. 9B.

[0045]FIG. 9C illustrates an elastomeric extrusion 52 which has a cross section as in FIGS. 9A,B. elastomeric inserts having a length 48 d′ can be cut off of the extrusion 52 as needed.

[0046] FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate various views of an alternate cutter 60 which can utilize the insert 48′. Handles 62 a,b carry integrally formed jaws 62 a-1, b-1 which in turn carry opposed cutting edges 64 a,b. The insert 48′ is removably carried in an internal slot 46′ which has a cross section of a shape to receive and hold surfaces 48 a′, b′-1 and b′-2, best seen in FIG. 10E. As the insert 48′ is forced into the slot 46′ it deforms slightly and returns to its nondeformed shape when fully inserted into the slot 46′. The cutter 60 can be used as described above in connection with the cutter 30.

[0047] FIGS. 11A-D illustrate details of a molded insert 68. The insert 68 has an elongated central body 68 a which has a partly curved portion 68 b.

[0048] The partly curved portion 60 b is bounded by first and second planar, manually grippable protrusions 68 c-1-2. Running axially along the curved portion 68 b is a first planar section 68 d which in turn joins a second planar surface or section 68 e. The planar section 68 e provides a deformable wire clamping surface against which a cut wire end is clamped for purposes of removing same from the mouth of the patient. The clamping surface 68 e is integrally formed and is in contact with a circular surface 68 f which in turn folds back to the curved body portion 68 b.

[0049] The insert 68 can be stretched for installation into an appropriate internal recess in cutters 70, best seen in FIG. 12a.

[0050] The molded insert 68 could, as those of skill in the art will understand, be formed with variations on the shape disclosed in FIGS. 11A-E without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be understood that the exact angular arrangements of various surfaces of the insert 68 are not limitations of the present invention.

[0051] The cutter 70, illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12E, incorporates first and second handles 72 a, b pivotablly attached at axis 70 a. Each of the handles carries a respective jaw or extension element 72 a-1, b-1. The jaws 72 a-1, b-1 include first and second opposed flush cutting edges 74 a, b. Flush cutting edge 74 b is positioned adjacent to the insert 68, bust seen in FIG. 12A. The insert 68 is carried in an internal slot or channel 76 which extends through jaw 72 b-1. The slot or channel 76 is formed with first and second sides 76 a and 76 b which are joined by closed end 76 c. The substantially flat clamping surface 68 e closes against an offset planar surface 72 a-2 in jaw 72 a-1.

[0052] As the handle 72 a-b are clamped together, the cutting edges 74 a, b cut off the distal end wire, such as wire end WC, illustrated in FIG. 6, while at the same time, the clamping surface 68 e is forcing the cut wire end against rigid planar surface 72 a-2 to clamp same to the cutters 70 for control and removal. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the process of squeezing the handle 72 a, b together brings the two cutting edges 74 a, b as well as the flat elastomeric clamping surface 68 e and the opposed rigid surface 72 a-2 together abutting one another in the absence of any wire therebetween. Thus, the surface 68 e has an elongated edge which is co-extensive with the cutting edges 74 a, b for purposes of clamping the cut off wire end.

[0053] The length of the molded insert 68, as best seen in FIG. 12B, is such that the end tab 68 c 1, c-2 extend on opposite sides of the respective jaws 72 a-1, b-1 for installation and removal.

[0054] It will also be understood that the jaw elements 72 b-1 could be formed with recesses to receive the gripping tabs 68 c-1, c-2 such that those tabs could be recessed against the jaw 72 b-1.

[0055]FIG. 13 illustrates another form of an elastomeric insert 78 which is formed with a substantially triangular cross section having sides 78 a, b joined by end 78 c. The insert 70 c also includes a surface 78 d which extends from side 78 b to a substantially planar elongated clamping surface 78 e. The surface 78 e is in turn joined by a surface 78 f which curves back to the side 78 a. The insert 78 can be formed as an extrusion which is in turn cut to an appropriate length for insertion into cutters 80, best seen in FIGS. 14A and 14D. The insert 78 is removably received in an internal slot 86, best seen in FIG. 14C, of the cutter 80. The substantially triangular cross section of the insert 78, formed of sides 78 a, b and end 78 c extends along the length of the slot 86 and removably retains the insert 78 therein.

[0056]FIG. 15 illustrates the configuration of yet another elastomeric insert 88 usable with cutters 90, best seen in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The insert 88 is formed with an elongated circular end portion 88 a to which is joined a planar side 88 b which in turn meets planar clamping surface 88 c. Surface 88 d joins clamping surface 88 c and folds back to the curved body portion 88 a. A blocking protrusion 88 e is formed on the insert 88 and is slidably received in a locking slot therefore, best seen in FIGS. 16B and E to retain insert 88 in cutters 90. Thus, the cutter 90 incorporates an internal slot or recess 96 for receipt of the body portion 88 a of the insert 88 and a second slot 96 a, best seen in FIG. 16B for receipt of protrusion 88 e when the insert 88 is slid into position in the slot 96.

[0057] Alternate exemplary elastomeric materials for the various described inserts include ethylene propylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer, fluroelastomer, thermoplastic rubber, and flurosilicone without limitation. Preferably, hardness of the elastomeric inserts will fall in a range of 20-90 Shore A.

[0058] It will also be understood that users will be able to replace the respective elastomeric inserts when worn or otherwise in need of replacement. Such replacements can be installed without tools.

[0059] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A dental instrument for cutting and holding a wire end extending from a surface comprising: first and second, opposed cutting edges movable relative to one another and oriented so as to be positionable against a surface from which a wire end extends; an elongated elastomeric member with a gripping surface wherein the member is positioned with at least a region of the gripping surface located adjacent to one of the edges whereby as the edges move together the region of the surface of the member moves adjacent to and substantially abuts at least part of the other edge.
 2. An instrument as in claim 1 which includes a clamping surface, adjacent to the other edge, toward which the gripping surface moves as the cutting edges move toward one another.
 3. An instrument as in claim 1 which includes first and second pivotably coupled jaws with one cutting edge carried on a respective jaw and wherein the region of the gripping surface is elongated and relatively planar.
 4. An instrument as in claim 3 wherein the elastomeric member is carried in an interior recess formed on one jaw.
 5. An instrument as in claim 4 wherein the other jaw carries a clamping surface toward which the planar gripping surface moves as the jaws move toward one another.
 6. An instrument as in claim 1 which includes, an extension portion with a recess for receipt of an engaging part of the elastomeric member.
 7. An instrument as in claim 3 which includes, in one of the jaws, a recess, bounded on at least three sides, for receipt of an engaging part of the elastomeric member.
 8. An instrument as in claim 5 which includes, in one of the jaws, a recess for receipt of an engaging part of the elastomeric member.
 9. An instrument as in claim 6 wherein the recess has a first, elongated dimension that extends from the gripping surface and has a variable width.
 10. An instrument as in claim 9 wherein the variable width has second and third different dimensions to facilitate locking the elastomeric member in the recess.
 11. An instrument as in claim 9 wherein the recess includes at least first and second non-parallel planar surfaces.
 12. An instrument as in claim 11 wherein the recess includes at least one curved surface.
 13. An instrument as in claim 7 wherein the elastomeric member is located substantially within the recess except for the gripping surface.
 14. An instrument as in claim 11 wherein the elastomeric member is received in the recess with a press-fit and wherein the member presents a relatively flat gripping surface adjacent to the one edge.
 15. An instrument as in claim 14 wherein the elastomeric member is located substantially within the recess except for the flat gripping surface.
 16. An instrument as in claim 15 wherein the flat gripping surface is substantially rectangular.
 17. An orthodontic cutter comprising: first and second pivoted, flush cutting edges; an interior recess formed adjacent to one of the edges; and a deformable wire clamping member substantially carried in the recess.
 18. A cutter as in claim 17 wherein the recess is elongated with a closed end and a displaced open end.
 19. A cutter as in claim 18 wherein the recess has a variable width parameter.
 20. A cutter as in claim 19 wherein the deformable clamping member is press-fit into the recess.
 21. A cutter as in claim 20 which includes a substantially rigid gripping surface in opposed relation to an exterior surface of the deformable member.
 22. A cutter as in claim 17 wherein the wire clamping member has a cross section with an elongated dimension that extends adjacent to one of the cutting edges.
 23. A cutter as in claim 17 wherein the cutting edges are elongated and close against one another and wherein the clamping member has a substantially coextensive dimension.
 24. A cutter as in claim 17 wherein the wire clamping member has an elongated substantially planar surface that extends, at least in part, adjacent to the one edge.
 25. A cutter as in claim 17 wherein the clamping member comprises an elastomeric member that is one of molded or extruded.
 26. A cutter as in claim 24 wherein the clamping member comprises an elastomeric member that is one of molded or extruded.
 27. A cutter as in claim 17 wherein the wire clamping member has a cross section with an elongated dimension that extends adjacent to the cutting edge.
 28. A cutter as in claim 17 wherein the cutting edge is elongated and closes against a rigid member and wherein the clamping member has a substantially coextensive dimension.
 29. A cutter as in claim 23 wherein a portion of the clamping member closes against a rigid member.
 30. A cutter as in claim 23 with first and second jaws wherein one jaw carries the clamping member and the other carries an opposed rigid member.
 31. A dental instrument for cutting and holding a wire end extending from a surface comprising: a flush cutting edge movable relative to an opposed rigid surface and oriented so as to be positionable against a surface from which a wire end extends; an elastomeric member with a substantially flat gripping surface wherein the member is positioned with at least a region of the flat gripping surface located adjacent to the edge whereby as the edge moves toward the opposed surface, the region of the flat surface also moves toward that surface.
 32. An instrument as in claim 31 which includes an internal recess adjacent to the edge, for receipt of the elastomeric member.
 33. An instrument as in claim 31 which includes first and second pivotably coupled jaws with the cutting edge carried on a respective jaw.
 34. An instrument as in claim 33 wherein the elastomeric member is carried on the jaw adjacent to the cutting edge.
 35. An instrument as in claim 34 wherein the other jaw carries the opposed surface toward which the planar gripping surface moves as the jaws move toward one another.
 36. An instrument as in claim 33 wherein, a recess is located adjacent to the cutting edge for receipt of an engaging part of the elastomeric member.
 37. An instrument as in claim 33 which includes, in one of the jaws, a recess, bounded on at least three sides, for receipt of an engaging part of the elastomeric member.
 38. An instrument as in claim 35 which includes, in the respective jaw, a recess for receipt of an engaging part of the elastomeric member.
 39. An instrument as in claim 36 wherein the recess has a first, elongated dimension that extends from the gripping surface and has a variable width.
 40. An instrument as in claim 39 wherein the variable width has second and third different dimensions to facilitate locking the elastomeric member in the recess.
 41. An instrument as in claim 39 wherein the recess includes at least first and second non-parallel planar surfaces.
 42. An instrument as in claim 39 wherein the recess includes at least one curved surface.
 43. An instrument as in claim 37 wherein the elastomeric member is located substantially within the recess except for the gripping surface.
 44. An instrument as in claim 41 wherein the elastomeric member is received in the recess with a press-fit and presents a relatively flat gripping surface adjacent to the one edge.
 45. An instrument as in claim 44 wherein the elastomeric member is located substantially within the recess except for the flat gripping surface.
 46. An instrument as in claim 45 wherein the flat gripping surface is one of substantially rectangular or substantially triangular.
 47. An orthodontic cutter comprising: at least one flush cutting edge; an interior recess formed adjacent to the edge; and a deformable wire clamping member substantially carried in the recess.
 48. A cutter as in claim 47 wherein the recess is elongated with a closed end and a displaced open end.
 49. A cutter as in claim 48 wherein the recess has a variable width parameter.
 50. A cutter as in claim 49 wherein the deformable clamping member is press-fit into the recess.
 51. A cutter as in claim 50 which includes a substantially rigid gripping surface in opposed relation to an exterior surface of the deformable member.
 52. A cutter as in claim 48 which includes a second flush cutting edge in opposed relation to the flush cutting edge wherein the edges are arranged, relative to the deformable member so that both edges and the deformable member, at least in part, substantially abut one another in the absence of any wire gripped by the clamping member.
 53. A cutter as in claim 52 wherein the deformable member has first and second spaced apart ends.
 54. A cutter as in claim 52 with the deformable member having first and second free ends wherein each end carries an insertion tab.
 55. A replaceable elastomeric insert for a cutter comprising: an elongated elastomeric, body having first and second free ends and, wherein the body includes a substantially planar, elongated wire clamping region.
 56. An insert as in claim 55 wherein each of the ends carries an integrally formed manually grippable protrusion.
 57. An insert as in claim 55 wherein the body has a cross section that is, at least in part, curved.
 58. An insert as in claim 57 wherein the body has a central axis with the clamping region integrally formed therewith and extending parallel thereto.
 59. An insert as in claim 56 wherein the body has a cross section that is, at least in part, curved.
 60. An insert as in claim 59 wherein the body has a central axis with the clamping region integrally formed therewith and extending parallel thereto. 